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Rugby League

Smith starts with easy win

22/06/2007

Great Britain thumped France 42-14 at Headingley in Tony Smith's first game in charge.

Smith gave five players their debuts including Paul Sykes while Adrian Morley captained the side for the first time.

The hosts clinched their ninth straight victory over the French after ramming in eight tries.

France stunned the home crowd as two tries from Wakefield half-back Maxime Greseque handed them a 10-6 lead after 20 minutes.

But Great Britain hit back with scrum-half Rob Burrow and Jamie Langley touching down to give Smith's side a 16-10 advantage at the break.

In a devastating second-half display Danny McGuire, Stephen Wild, skipper Morley, Sykes, James Roby, and Burrow crossed the line as Great Britain romped to victory.

Leeds Rhinos skipper Kevin Sinfield continued his devastating goals by kicking five goals after coming on for team-mate McGuire.

Eric Anselme touched down for the visitors in the second half while Catalan Dragons star Thomas Bosc kicked France's only goal.

Great Britain are next in action in the autumn for the crunch three-Test series against New Zealand.

Players who were rested for the France game, including Paul Wellens, Leon Pryce, and Jamie Peacock, are expected to return for the series against the Kiwis.

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